Author and coach Martha Beck talks about Play and Rest in her book “Finding Your Way in a Wild New World”. It’s about being open to possibilities. Then savoring and resting with moments of joy.

Summer is a great time to do things when school is out and schedules seems more open.

This summer our girls had a chance to be involved in a play. The Oak Grove Improvement Association” of Malden put together a Play in the Parks event. The play was “Midsummer Night’s Dream”. There was a need for little fairies so our girls were recruited. It was fun to see them learn and play and be a part of a theatrical project.

Years ago my husband had been involved with a community theater.

I enjoy plays too.

When our friend, Brian, co-owned a small theater company in the late 90’s, we got involved. We helped out with the ticket booth and concession stand. Occasionally I did some art work for a couple of the play’s promotional materials.

It was fun to be able to get involved again.
I did some art work for promotion of the play. And our girls got a chance to learn and perform in a play.

Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in its creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”

I have written about my “EQUUS” horse masks before. It seems I get to write about it again. The story continues.
There is a continuing journey filled with opportunities that show up. Opportunities that need to be considered and acted on.

In this case: William Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Our Friend, Brian, is involved in directing “Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Malden, MA with the Oak Grove Improvement Association. They have set up a series of “Theater in the Parks” for the month of July.

My family is involved. I am the graphic artist, and my kids are playing the little fairies. (too cute)

“Midsummer Night’s Dream” has a play within the play. One character wears a donkey mask. So there was a need to have a donkey mask. So one of my EQUUS masks was modified accordingly to be a donkey mask. Cool, yes.

The thing about my EQUUS masks that is interesting to me is that this art work has endured.
I created 6 EQUUS masks in 2000 for Ubiquity stage’s production of “EQUUS”. They are masks/ props.
A lot of props go to the way side after a production. Yet not these masks.
Over the years these masks have been used in 2 plays, one Halloween costume, and 1 art exhibit. And now another play added. A friend mentioned the word “Enduring”. hmmmm

Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”

The EQUUS masks were created in 2000 for Ubiquity Stage theater co.’s production of “EQUUS” by Peter Shaffer.

I collaborated with the director, Brian Triber. The idea was to create a mask that resembled a horse, yet not a realistic horse. The play is a psychodrama and the nature of the play is focused on the perception of a pretty troubled boy. The horse is seen through his eyes as a deity in the form of a horse.

The horse masks are made of 9 gauge wire, ferrules, and a leather mane.

Wire-9 gauge: This wire is normally used to connect a wire fence to a post.

The wire had to be flexible yet also be firm enough to hold the mask’s shape. The masks would be handled frequently during the play. The masks also had to be able to be seen by the audience.
This wire perfectly reflected the lights on stage and set the eerie mood of the play.

Here is a drawing of the wires of the mask. The black dots indicate where the cross pieces connected the two sides of the mask.

Ferrules: a metal piece that has two hollow holes running through it. Wires can be put in each hole and crimped to hold the wires together.

We tried a method or two to hold the wire pieces together. The ferrules turned out to be the best option. As I mentioned before the masks had to be firm and durable since they would be handled frequently.

We went with leather for the horse’s mane. The leather was cut in long, wide strips. Then sections where cut in along the long sides. Holes were punched and a thin wire run through and twisted to make it so the mane stood up. The mane was sprayed with silver paint to match the silver color of the wire. Thus a uniform look to the masks. It also added to the stage lighting affect of the masks.

This is how EQUUS mask was created.

I’m thankful for the amazing opportunity and creative challenge. (what artist could pass up a creative challenge like this—not me) It was an opportunity to create, persevere and see this project through and ultimately see the masks used in a wonderful performance on stage.

“Le Cadeau du Cheval”
Several artists in the Equine Art Guild were a part of this unique tribute to the horse. Click on the image above to read all about it and the artists who participated in it’s creation, as well as see where it will be coming to a location near you in the coming year!

Soldier Portraits
Darla Dixon organized a group of artists who will create no-charge compassionate portraits for the families who have lost a loved one in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. We are looking for artists to join our efforts, and also for non-artists who will help spread the word about this free service and token of our gratitude to families who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information, contact Darla (darla@darladixon.com) or visit SoldierPortraits.org.